Google Supercharges Circle to Search with a New AI Mode

Circle to Search is becoming more powerful on Android. Google is now testing a new AI Mode that makes follow-up queries easier and more accessible. The feature appears inside the latest Google app beta, and Android users are already noticing a faster, smarter search flow.

AI Mode Brings Answers and Follow-Up Prompts Together

Until now, Circle to Search displayed results at the bottom and pushed users to type their follow-up questions in a bar placed at the top. However, this flow often felt clunky on bigger phones.
Now, Google is shifting the follow-up search bar to the bottom of the screen. This makes it easier to reach, especially when you type one-handed on a tall device.

Moreover, the new AI Mode shows an AI Overview, a quick summary of whatever a user circles on the screen. You also see the original search results at the same time. Because you view everything together, you can quickly decide what to ask next. And the lower search bar now reads “Ask anything,” nudging users to continue the conversation.

Beta Users Spot the Feature on Google App 16.47

The AI upgrade seems tied to the latest Google app beta version 16.47. Many users reported seeing it on Pixel devices running Android 16 QPR2 Beta. The stable version, 16.47.49, also includes the change for some users.
However, the rollout is gradual. Several Android users still don’t see the update, which suggests Google is testing server-side switches.

To check if your device has the new interface, launch Circle to Search and look for the AI Mode card. If you notice the bottom search bar and the AI Overview, your device has received the update.

A Small Change but a Big Convenience

Google’s move looks small, but it targets a real issue. Large-screen users often struggle with top-placed UI elements. By moving the search bar lower, Circle to Search becomes more natural to use. The AI Mode also blends human-like summaries with standard search results, making the feature more efficient.

As Circle to Search continues trending among Android users, this update shows Google’s intent to deepen AI integration across everyday smartphone actions.